Distribution unit between signal transmitting members and a signal utilizing device

ABSTRACT

A distribution unit selectably connects a plurality of different frequency electrical signal transmitters to an electric signal utilization device. The unit includes a plurality of actuatable connection members for choosing a preselected number of the different frequency electrical signals transmission transmission to the utilization device; a preset connection unit is connected to the signal transmitters for transmitting as many groups of different frequency electrical signals as there are actuatable connection members; and a collecting conductor associated with each of the groups, each of the collecting conductors being connected to a different one of the actuatable connection members.

Apr. 9, 1974 quency the utilignals as there are d a collecting congroups, each of the ected to a different y connects a plurality of a1 signal transmitters to an evice. The unit includes a Iorio Campbell, Jr. et a1. ABSTRACT 6/1960 McKellip 4/1963 2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Primary Examiner-Richard B. Wilkinson Assistant Examiner-U. Weldon Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hane, Baxley & Spiecens A distribution unit selectabl different frequency electric electric signal utilization d plurality of actuatable connection members for choosing a preselected number of the different fre electrical signals transmission transmission to zation device; a preset connection unit is connected to the signal transmitters for transmitting as many groups of different frequency electrical si actuatable connection members; an

ductor associated with each of the collecting conductors being conn one of the actuatable connection members.

zyyayy 84/1.0l, 84/1..l7, 84/DIG. 7

Larsen et a1.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Karls-Abyvagen 22; Maths Olov Nordgren, Gronfeltsgatan 4, both of Karlskoga, Sweden May 29, 1973 Related U.S. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 332,889, Feb. 16,

DISTRIBUTION UNIT BETWEEN SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEMBERS AND A SIGNAL UTILIZING DEVICE [76] Inventors: Herbert Gunther Borsutzki,

[22] Filed:

[21] Appl. No.: 364,723

1973, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 165,062, July 22, 1971, abandoned.

[51] Int. Cl.

[58] Field of Search 179/91; 84/423, 1.01, DIG. 15,

United States Patent [1 1 Borsutzki et a1.

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DISTRIBUTION UNIT BETWEEN SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEMBERS AND A SIGNAL UTILIZING DEVICE The present invention relates to a distribution unit between signal transmitting members and a signal utilizing device, and is a-continuation-in-part of US. Pat. application Ser. No. 332,889 filed Feb. 16, 1973, which is now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 165,062 filed July 22, 1971 which is now abandoned.

BACKGROUND There can be many different applications for such distribution units. Examples of such are staff location systems, electronic organs, and accordions. In the following, the application relating to electronic organs and accordions will be described in more detail. An electronic organ operates on a great number of electric signals of different frequencies. The frequencies are chosen with a consideration for the sound sensations which are to be transmitted. To each key on an electronic organ a certain number of signals are connected, which when the key is pressed are conveyed to a sound transmitting member. Hitherto, each key had a contact for each signal which is to be controlled by the key. Hence, there must be a ratherlarge number of contacts for each key. If, for instance, six signals are to be transmitted when a key is pressed, the key must thus actuate six contacts. Hence, there is a rather unwieldy contact arrangement at each key.

Lately, there has arisen a desire to be able to use the keyboard of an accordion as a means for actuating the contacts. However, in view of the above discussion, the installation of the great number of contacts at each key will be both complicated and expensive. Furthermore, the accordion cannot be used alternatively as an accordion and an electronic organ.

THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to create a signal distribution unit which has such properties that when it is used for an electronic organ system employing the keyboard of an accordion, the contacts actuated by the keyboard will occupy unusually little space. Thus, the accordion can be used alternatively as an accordion and as the keyboard of an electronic organ.

A further object of the present invention is to achieve a connection unit for the distribution unit which is small and which permits a preselection of the number of signals that are to be conveyed to a key on the keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The simplified distribution unit according to the present invention is achieved by dividing the signals up into a number of groups corresponding to the number of keys. These groups of signals are conveyed to contacts at the keys on the keyboard. The contacts at the keyboard will then be very simple because only one single contact need be actuated instead of, as previously, as many contacts as there are signals in the group.

According to a very advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the contacts that are to be actuated by the keys on the keyboard can be arranged on a long narrow plate. It is thus possible to place the contacts in any conventional accordion whatsoever,

without any great expenses for a conversion being involved.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in greater detail when read with the accompanying drawing which shows by way of example a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing;

FIG. 1 shows the wiring diagram of a distribution unit for an electronic organ in the form of a wiring diagram, to which distribution unit a signal transmitting device and a signal utilizing device are connected;

FIGS. 2-4 show various parts of the connection unit of the distribution unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows contacts of the unit of FIG. 1 coacting with the valves of an accordion; and

FIG. 6 shows the device according to FIG. 5 built into an accordion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a connection unit 1 and an output unit 2 with contact devices. In the unit 2 there is also a collecting conductor 3, intended for connection to a utilization device comprising an amplifier unit with loudspeaker.

In the connection unit l there are a number of wires (source signal conductors), each of which includes a resistor, and which are divided into three groups. A typical wire C includes the resistor R. The wires of the first group have been given the reference designations o H1 B1, A1, m G1 1! F1 El D11 i C11 and C1 The wires in the second group have been given the reference designations C, H B A, G", G F, E, D, C' and C and the wires in the third group have been given the reference designations C H, B A, G, G, F, F, E, D D C and C Each of the wires in the three groups mentioned is connected to an electric signal with a predetermined frequency, which frequencies have then been chosen with consideration to the tones to be sounded. For example, the wire C of the first group is connected to signal source 8.8. In order to simplify the drawing the remaining signal sources are not shown. In the present case it should be an advantage to work with a certain number of oscillators and frequency dividers. In the connection unit 1 there are a number of wires 4 to 16 (signal collecting conductors). These are parallel with each other and lie in the same place, and are moreover in fixed positions. It is, of course, also possible to have the wires in different parallel planes under each other. Between pairs of the above-mentioned wires, each of the wires l7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 27A (signal grounding conductors), respectively, is positioned. All of the wires 17 to 27A are connected to ground. Under or over the planes in which the wires 4 to 27A are located, three aligning bars are arranged, which have the reference designations 28-30. These bars are movable in their longitudinal direction, at right angles to the wires 4 to 27A. The bars 28 to 30 (group selector bars) function as pilot members for the three groups of wires to which electrical signals are fed. All of these wires of the three above-mentioned groups are arranged at right angles to the wires 4 to 27A, and then also perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1. Thus, when the bars 28-30 are displaced, the wires which are connected to the electrical signals can either be connected to a grounded wire,

i.e., one of the wires 17 to 27A, or to one of the output collecting wires 4-16. The collecting wires 4-16 are each connected to a contact device 31-43, respectively, in the unit 2. Each contact device consists of a resistor and a switch. For example, contact device 31 consists of resistor 31R and switch 318. Each of the switches is biased the normally closed position, thereby connecting the corresponding collecting conductor 3 with a ground conductor 44. When a key, for instance, is actuated, the switch is to open and a signal from the corresponding collecting bar is controlled with passes via the resistor to the conductor 3, for onward transmission to the amplifier system with the loudspeaker in the utilization device U.D. For example, with collecting bar 28 moved to the left in FIG. 1 and switch 315 open, the signal from source 8.8. Passes via line C, line 4 and resistor 31R to conductor 3. In FIG. 2 it is shown how the wires designated with letters, together with the corresponding resistors, have been arranged on one or several plates 45, so that the wires have free ends extending beyond the plates. The ends pass through holes in the corresponding line-up bar, for instance the line-up bar 28. In FIG. 3 there are shown 2 bar spacers or end brackets 46 and 47, which have a number of spacing members 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54. These members support the wires 4 to 27A. The plates 45 with the corresponding line-up bars are fastened between the end brackets 46 and 47, so that the signal-connected wires will have horizontal positions, while the wires 4 to 27A will have vertical positions. Further, the signalconnected wires will have their free ends located between a grounded wire and a signal-collecting wire. Their connections will be dependent upon the positions of the line-up bars 28-30. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the right-hand part of FIG. 3, from which it can be seen more clearly how the different wires are oriented in relation to each other.

In FIG. 5, a rectangular, insulated plate 55 is shown, which is provided with a metal layer (printed circuit plate). The metal layer is etched in such a way that two bands 56 and 57 are obtained. The bands have the same function as the conductor 3 in FIG. 1. There are also two bands 58 and 59. On the upper sides of these, two wires 60 and 61 are arranged. These two wires together represent the conductor 44 in FIG. 1. The two rows of squares 62 and 62A are insulated, and have no function. On the other hand, the individual squares in the middle row of squares each represent a connection point in the various contact devices 31 to 43. In FIG. 5, the two contact devices 31 and 32 of FIG. 1 are shown. The contact device 31 has a contact square 63, to which one end of a spring 64 in the form of a wire is soldered. The left end of the wire is bent in the way shown in the Figure. In its resting position it is in contact with the wire 60. The free end of the wire 64 is opposite a valve 65in an accordion. When the valve is actuated bymeans of a key, the wire 64 loses its contact with the wire 60. A resistor 66 is connected between the square 63 and the band 56. As regards the contact device 32, a contact square 67 is shown, to which one end of a wire 68 is connected. The wire 68 is arranged in exactly the same way as the wire 64, and coacts with a valve 69. In its resting position, the wire 68 is in contact with the wire 61. The square 67 is connected via a resistor (not shown) to the band 57. FIG. 6 shows an accordion 70 provided with a plate 55 coacting with the valves 65 and 69.

The device described above functions in the following way. It is assumed that the connection unit 1 is built together with the signal generating unit, toform one single unit, and that from this unit one single cable is connected to an accordion 70, which cable contains the wires 4 to 16. In the accordion, over the valves, the plate 55 is arranged, with the contact devices 31 to 43,- which are connected to said cable. Thus, there to only one single conductor to an amplifier with loudspeaker system.

Before a musician starts to use the keyboard to play the electronic organ, he pushes in one or several of the bars 28-30, in order to obtain the number of signals desired for each group of signals. It should be obvious that, if desired, more signals, in groups, than those shown in the Figure can be used. The signals from the collecting unit are conveyed to the accordion and then via the contact devices to ground since the contacts are closed when the keys are not actuated. On the other hand, when the musician actuates a key, the corresponding contact device opens, and a group of signals passes via the resistor of the contact device to the utilization device including the amplifier unit with the loudspeaker system. From the above, it will be obvious that it is far more simple to install only one contact device of the kind shown in the unit 2, instead of, as previously, a contact device which contains a number of contacts corresponding to the number of signals in a transmitted group.

By having to use only one single contact for each key on the keyboard, the advantage is gained that at each contact device a delay device can be arranged, so that a signal can pass through the contact device for a certain period of time after the corresponding valve has ceased to actuate the corresponding contact spring.

If the distribution unit according to the present invention is used for a staff location system, the only difference in relation to the foregoing will be that each output signal from the conductor 3 represents a certain person, and is sent out via a transmitter to the various persons signal receivers.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to a certain new preferred example and embodiment of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications in the appended claims.

What is claimed isi 1. In combination with an accordion, a signal distribution device for controlling the transmission of signals from a plurality of signal sources to a signal utilization device comprising: a first plurality of source signal conductors arrayed in parallel planes of parallel signal conductors to form a matrix configuration of rows and columns of signal conductors, the same one end of each source signal conductor being adapted to be connected to one of said signal sources; a plurality of parallel signal collecting conductors, each of said signal collecting conductors being disposed adjacent to a different column of source signal conductors; a plurality of parallel signal grounding conductors connected to ground, each of said signal. grounding conductors being disposed adjacent to a different column of source signal conductors such that a signal collecting conductor and a signal grounding conductor bracket a signal source conductor; said signal collecting conductors and said signal grounding conductors being parallel to each other and lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the planes defined by said source signal conductors; a plurality of group selection bars, each of said selection bars comprising an elongated plate-like element mounted in a plane perpendicular to the planes defined by said source signal conductors, and parallel to the plane in which lie said signal collecting conductors and said signal grounding conductors, each of said group selection bars being mechanically connected to all the source signal conductors of a row of source signals, each of said group selection bars being reciprocatingly movable so that when the bar is in one position the source signal conductors of the associated row are in contact with their associated signal collecting conductors and when in another position said source signal conductors are in contact with their associated signal grounding conductors; and a plurality of selectively operable switch means for connecting one end of each of said signal collecting conductors to said signal utilization device, said switch means being activated by keys of the accordion.

2. The signal distribution device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of switch means includes a printed circuit plate including one band of conductive material on said plate and connected to ground, a second band on said plate, parallel to said one band and connected to said signal utilization device, a plurality of conductive regions on said plate but insulated from each other and aligned in row parallel to said bands, means for connecting each of said conductive regions to one end, respectively, of said signal collecting conductors, a plurality of resistor means for connecting each of said conductive regions, respectively, to said second band, and a plurality of movable spring contactors for, respectively, selectively connecting each of said conductive regions to said one band, each of the keys of said accordion controlling the positioning of one of said spring contactors, respectively.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE ()3? (JORRECTION 3,803,337 Dated A ril 9, 1924 Herbert Gunther Borsutzki et a1 Patent No.

Inventor(s) It is certified that efrcr appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet. insert Foreign Application Priority Data July 29, 1970 Sweden 10412/70 Signed and sealed this 1st day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. 0. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents uscoMM-oc scan-P09 u 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 9. 93 O F ORM PO-105O (10-69) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3,803,337 Dated April 9, 1934 Patent No.

Herbert Gunther Borsutzki et a1.

Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet insert Foreign Application Priority Data July 29, 1970 Sweden 10412/70 Signed and sealed this 1st day of October: 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC GOING-P69 u.s GOVERNMENT vnmrms ornca 8 930 :owl PO-105O (10-59) 

1. In combination with an accordion, a signal distribution device for controlling the transmission of signals from a plurality of signal sources to a signal utilization device comprising: a first plurality of source signal conductors arrayed in parallel planes of parallel signal conductors to form a matrix configuration of rows and columns of signal conductors, the same one end of each source signal conductor being adapted to be connected to one of said signal sources; a plurality of parallel signal collecting conductors, each of said signal collecting conductors being disposed adjacent to a different column of source signal conductors; a plurality of parallel signal grounding conductors connected to ground, each of said signal grounding conductors being disposed adjacent to a different column of source signal conductors such that a signal collecting conductor and a signal grounding conductor bracket a signal source conductor; said signal collecting conductors and said signal grounding conductors being parallel to each other and lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the planes defined by said source signal conductors; a plurality of group selection bars, each of said selection bars comprising an elongated platelike element mounted in a plane perpendicular to the planes defined by said source signal conductors, and parallel to the plane in which lie said signal collecting conductors and said signal grounding conductors, each of said group selection bars being mechanically connected to all the source signal conductors of a row of source signals, each of said group selection bars being reciprocatIngly movable so that when the bar is in one position the source signal conductors of the associated row are in contact with their associated signal collecting conductors and when in another position said source signal conductors are in contact with their associated signal grounding conductors; and a plurality of selectively operable switch means for connecting one end of each of said signal collecting conductors to said signal utilization device, said switch means being activated by keys of the accordion.
 2. The signal distribution device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of switch means includes a printed circuit plate including one band of conductive material on said plate and connected to ground, a second band on said plate, parallel to said one band and connected to said signal utilization device, a plurality of conductive regions on said plate but insulated from each other and aligned in row parallel to said bands, means for connecting each of said conductive regions to one end, respectively, of said signal collecting conductors, a plurality of resistor means for connecting each of said conductive regions, respectively, to said second band, and a plurality of movable spring contactors for, respectively, selectively connecting each of said conductive regions to said one band, each of the keys of said accordion controlling the positioning of one of said spring contactors, respectively. 